We originally debated whether or not to include a multifunction unit in this roundup as we feared it would not have been an apples with apples comparison, or that the print quality could not compare with the other printers on test. Given the performance of the SCX-4216F though, we were proven wrong.
Designed as a mono laser printer with a 600dpi scanner/copier function on top, this unit is going the way of mainstream inkjet printers by incorporating all the functions of several units into one.
Besides its versatility, the SCX-4216F’s real strength was in image and text quality. Our torture text revealed incredibly good grey reproduction, with the printer not over or under saturating the image with toner. Other text and graphics were also clear, with few significant problems.
The SCX-4216F was also incredibly compact for the amount of hardware contained in the unit, which is a plus in a cramped office environment.
The software package supplied with this combination unit is so incredibly easy to use that it boggles the mind, with each step explained as you click through the menu system. Once completed, the single press button usage of the SCX-4216F ensures its ease of use. Scanning is taken care of by an intuitive and well-designed interface.
Performing slightly below average in speed and value tests, quality was where it excelled, and beat all other mono printers, bar the HP-1300 -- this month’s mono Labs Winner.
Designed for SOHOs looking to consolidate their numerous individual units, this takes the best of many machines and couples them into one very competitively priced and quite reasonably performing laser combo.
Samsung offers an above average two-year warranty, which should help protect your investment. From a TCO perspective, these units are clearly not designed for high volume printing, as your costs will rise fairly sharply when going from 50 pages a day to 150 pages a day.
The ability to complete multiple functions on a single piece of hardware is a great alternative for small operations. If speed or large volume printing is your intention, our suggestion is that you invest the extra $100 and look at the OKI B4300. For a solid multi-purpose printer, on the other hand, the SCX-4216F can’t be beaten.